Wearing Comfortable Clothing
Wear cotton and natural fibers. These are much more breathable than synthetic (manmade) fibers, which means air can move through them more easily. When it’s hot, you want as much air to move through your clothes as possible. Linen is another natural fiber like cotton. Polyester is a fabric that you definitely want to avoid during the summer. Rayon is another one that will heat you up. Natural fibers tend to be a little tougher too, which is great for the wear and tear of camp. Cotton tends to wash easier than other fibers as well. If you need to wear dress clothes for a dance or special event, it’s a good time to choose cotton dresses, skirts, and button up shirts over other fabrics. Cotton isn’t just for your shirts, as many shorts, capris, capri, ankle, and bike short length leggings, and pants are also made of cotton.
Stick with light colors. You’ve always heard that black clothing absorbs more sunlight, so it will cause you to get hotter. Summer camp tends to include a lot of time out in the sun, and wearing lots of dark colors will mean being even hotter. White and gray are usually good options. If you tend to wear t-shirts with large graphics, the thickness of some graphics will also make you hot faster. Stick to shirts with less printing on them. Since white does show dirt more easily, maybe light shades of other colors like blue, yellow and red will be better if there’s a chance you’ll get dirty.
Wear loose clothing that allows airflow. Tight clothes tend to cling to your skin as you get sweaty, which keeps air from flowing between your skin and clothes. Wearing clothes that fit loosely will let them move around more and let air flow through, keeping you cooler. You don’t want to wear clothes that are too big, so find the balance there. You could wear one size bigger than usual, as long as it doesn’t seem like it’s falling off of you. It’s also good to wear clothing made of thinner material that won’t feel heavy on you.
Pay attention to your underwear. If you usually wear bras that feature padding and underwire, it might be a good idea to swap out for something cooler at camp. Boxers can cause chaffing on hot days where you sweat and walk a lot, so consider a switch to briefs or boxer briefs. Sports bras or unlined bralettes are a good option as they have less material but still offer the proper support especially since you will be doing many physical things at camp like hiking, sports, obstacle course, capture the flag, etc. You should also wear socks to keep your feet cool. Take plenty of extras, as you’ll most likely need more than you think.
Change your clothes daily. You probably have limited clothing at camp, and you may not want to dirty everything on the first day, but as you wear clothes they trap dirt and sweat. Wearing dirty clothes can actually make you hotter because of all the dirt. Also bring a few extra outfits in case something accidentally gets ripped or torn or damage in some way. On a related note, it’s good to make sure you shower consistently while at camp. As you get sweaty and shed skin cells, it’s good to wash all that off and keep clean. So don't forget to bring soap, shampoo and other hygiene items you are using like deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash, hair brush, shaving items if started using, and for girls bring your period items if you've started.
Dressing for Activities
Dress in layers. This means a couple things. For one, if you wear an undershirt, it can actually keep you cool as your top shirt will be less sweaty and can breathe more. It also means keep sweatshirts and long pants handy as summer tends to start out cool in the morning, get hot during midday, and often cool off again at night. If you are going to be away from your bag throughout the hot afternoon and cool evening, you probably don’t want to wear your warm clothes all day, but you’ll definitely want to keep them with you. As long as you follow the dress code at camp, it’s always good to have a sleeveless shirt or tank top on under your t-shirt so you can take the top layer off as the day warms up.
Cool cotton material or cool denim materials are good during hot days. Examples are shorts, nike tempo or other similar brands styles shorts, capris, and for girls sports style leggings which keep moisture away so you stay cool and can be worn in ankle length, capri length or bike short length depending on weather. Avoid dark colored clothing like black and brown during the heat of the day.
Wear your swimsuit. For guys, swim trunks are basically the same as shorts anyway. For girls, a bathing suit may not be quite as comfortable as a bra and panties, but will serve a similar function. Summer camp may include a lot of spontaneous swimming, so wearing your swimsuit as clothing, or under your clothing, makes it easier to take a quick dip. Once your suit is wet, it probably won’t be the best for walking around in, so you may want to go switch out for dry clothes after you swim.
Don't forget sunscreen even when swimming. Many brands now have sunscreens that can last up to 80 minutes even in the water and are sweat proof so they don't run in your eyes. And some that are made with no oils or fragrances if those things bother you.
Keep it casual for dances. You would typically dress up for a dance, maybe even a fancy gown or tux, but a summer camp dance can be a little less formal, while still looking nice. Girls could wear a light sundress, a casual skater dress or t-shirt dress with bike shorts if you want or with capri leggings underneath or/and a cardigan if it gets cool While boys could opt for khaki shorts and a short sleeve polo or cotton joggers or lightweight cotton pants if it gets cool. Girls and boys should also bring a pair of casual shoes that look nice. Don't wear your sneakers you've had on all day to the dance because they probably get dirty everyday and may be sweaty. For girls a simple casual pair of flats, boats shoes like sperrys, etc. or a pair of clean dressy style sneakers like keds champions, vans etc. as long as they are clean. Boys could wear a pair of boat shoes like sperrys, etc. or a pair of clean dressy style sneakers like vans, etc. as long as they are clean. You can still look nice enough to impress your peers without going overboard. Since you probably won’t have access to an iron, you want to pack clothes that will hopefully not get too wrinkled in your bag.
Suit up for the pool. Many summer camps will require one piece swimsuits, tankinis, or shorts and a shirt for girls. Boys may have less restrictions, but will most likely be required to wear swim trunks, as opposed to just underwear or street clothes. Even with a swimsuit, you may want to wear shorts and a shirt that you can take off before you swim. Wear something old that you don’t mind possibly getting chlorine on.
Keep shirts untucked. Although tucking your shirt in is supposed to be a nicer look, in the heat of summer it just means more clothing around your already covered waist. Tucking your shirt in can cause more sweating and discomfort. If you do feel the need to tuck your shirt in do what many do just do a small tuck of the shirt at the front by the bow or button area and you will still stay cool. To avoid the need for tucked in shirts, aim for shirts that are the appropriate length, which is just a few inches past the waistline of your pants.
Protect yourself when going on hikes. If you camp in a place with wilderness nearby, hiking is inevitable. Its often good to wear pants for hiking to keep out of poison ivy and avoid scratches from brush. Sturdy shoes and a good pair of socks are a must so you have good support. Sunscreen, bug repellant, and water are also super important. If you’ll be gone for a long time, being without those could lead to serious discomfort or even illness. Many brands of sunscreens now have sunscreens that can last up to 80 minutes even in the water and are sweat proof so they don't run in your eyes. And some that are made with no oils or fragrances if those things bother you. And if you wear a sports watch with a timer you can set yourself a reminder every so often its time fora drink of water.
Stay dry with rain gear. At camp you will probably be walking from your bed to the mess hall and all over camp in the course of the day. You don’t want to do that soaking wet, so plan for the chance of rain with a waterproof jacket or a poncho of some kind. Also if you have a pair of rain boots you can wear them when its raining or has rained and put your other shoes in a backpack you can carry with you and change into your other shoes when you go inside and change back into your rain boots when you go back outside. This way if it is really wet or muddy you don't soak your other shoes or get them all muddy and the boots keep your feet and socks dry when going back and forth from your cabin to other buildings all day. You probably won’t need to carry this around all day, every day, but pay attention to the weather and grab your gear if it seems like a chance of rain, is raining or is muddy. It’s better to carry something around for a while that you don’t need than it is to be soaking wet and uncomfortable. Wet clothes, shorts and pants especially, can irritate your skin from all the rubbing if you walk around in them for too long.
Packing Other Essentials
Pack shoes that are worn in. You may be tempted to take some fresh sneakers or hiking boots to camp, but brand new shoes can cause blisters on your feet. Since you’ll be walking a lot, you want to wear shoes that have been broken in. On the other hand, don’t wear shoes that are so old they are barely staying together. You want to have good arch and ankle support, so shoes that are falling apart aren’t good for camp either. Flip flops or sandals are good to have on hand for time at the beach or pool, but they probably aren’t the best for all day walking around.
Pack multiple sleeping options. If you are going to be sleeping in a tent or unheated cabin, it may get cold at night. It might also be hot in a non-air conditioned cabin if it stays hot outside. Have lightweight and cool pajamas as well as thicker pajamas so you’re prepared either way.
Give your head and shoulders shade. Wide brimmed hats are great for keeping your head cool and your shoulders from baking in the sun. You can also carry a scarf or bandana around, which is great to tie up long hair or use as a headband to keep sweat out of your eyes. It’s also good to keep hair ties or scrunchies handy as long hair will most likely make your neck and shoulders much hotter during the summer. Consider wearing hair in a ponytail or bun more of the time.
Leave the jewelry at home. You may want to make a fashion statement with a necklace or fancy bracelet, but it’s better to pass on those at camp for a couple of reasons. Metal hanging against your skin will make you hotter, and jewelry is just another thing that you might lose in the shuffle of living out of a bag for a week or more. Simple watches and fitness trackers are OK, but generally you should try not to bring jewelry and other accessories to camp.
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